408 EDIBLE WILD PLANTS 



pods hanging, pear-shaped but reversed, brown, ^ in. long, with 

 8 to 12 seeds. 



In deep shady woods. Abundant everywhere. 



61. Fag as f err uginea A.\to\\. American Beech. 



Tree 30 ft. to 60 ft. high, spreading branches. Wood dark 

 colored, hard, yearly growths not easily seen. Bark smooth, 

 light grey, without an outer skin. Leaves 2 in. to 4 in. long, 

 ovate, pointed at both ends, coarsel}' notched ribs start altern- 

 ately from mid-rib, smooth above, hairy below, especially on 

 edge of leaf, acid and tender when young, soon become bitter 

 and tough, need much boiling and make an indifferent food. 

 Available in May and June. 



Abundant on dry land and in deep soil. Generally distrib- 

 uted. 



63. Pteris aquilina L. Common Brake, Bracken. 



The young curled fronds, when a few inches high, are tender 

 and palatable. Boil well, as asparagus, which it much resembles. 

 Best in May, soon becomes tough. Also OHinuvda ciniiamomea 

 L., Cinnamon Fern, No. 44 preceding. 



63. Allium schjenoprasum L. Chives. 



Flower stalk 4 in. to 9 in. high, with round bunch of light 

 purple flowers and pointed sepals. Leaves 4 in. to 7 in. high, 

 awl-shaped, hollow, separate from flower stalk, taste and smell 

 like onions or garlic, useful more as a seasoning than as a food. 



Found in low wet lands near sea shore or rivers. In north- 

 ern Nova Scotia. Have not seen it in the southern or western 

 counties. 



6Jf.. Medeola Virgimca L. Indian Cucumber- root. 



Stem of plant 1 to 2i ft. high, bearing a whorl of about six 

 or more several nerved leaves from 2 to 6 in. long, and tapering 

 to each end, about its middle, and a smaller whorl immediately 



